The Canadian documentary Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On has won the 2023 International Emmy for Arts Programming.
The 51st International Emmy Awards, which recognize worldwide excellence in television, were announced Monday (Nov. 20) in New York City.
Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On is directed by Madison Thomas and produced by Eagle Vision, White Pine Pictures and Paquin Entertainment. The film was the sole Canadian production nominated for an International Emmy in 2023.
The documentary was created with the participation of musician Sainte-Marie, and includes reflections from “friends, colleagues, community members, and industry professionals” on her career, as well as an inside look at her 2021 North American tour. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022, and is currently available to stream on Crave.
Since its release, CBC News has published a report alleging that Sainte-Marie has falsely claimed to be of Cree descent.
Sainte-Marie issued a statement on Oct. 26, a day before the CBC News report was published, to refute the allegations. The film’s producers have also voiced support for Sainte-Marie.
“We stand behind Buffy and believe it to be true that her mother told her she was adopted and of Canadian Indigenous descent,” read a statement on the White Pine Pictures website.